Presence of Love STEAM Initiative

K-12 STEAM Education

County of Los Angeles

Expand existing project, program, or initiative

STEAM education is an interdisciplinary approach that integrates Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics that prepares students for today's world. STEAM education aims to develop students' critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving skills. Historically, women and the BIPOC communities have been underrepresented in STEM fields. STEAM education aims to address this gap by fostering an inclusive and diverse learning environment, where all students feel encouraged and empowered to pursue their interests in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. PRESENT NOW aims to gift age appropriate educational learning devices with technology playing a crucial role in enhancing STEAM learning experiences. By leveraging digital resources, such as simulations, coding platforms, and online collaborations, students gain access to real-world and interactive learning opportunities, fostering technological literacy and innovation.

The Presence of Love program addresses STEAM objectives by providing young survivors of domestic violence with a digital device or educational learning tool on Valentine's Day. Through this program, PRESENT NOW (PN) aims to support the emotional recovery and well-being of children affected by parental abuse, while also promoting their engagement in STEAM education. Our younger children will receive STEAM focused toys, books, and kits to help build their motor function and critical-thinking skills. Our tweens, teens, and young adults will receive a digital device to serve as a tool to encourage and aid in learning. These devices provide access to a wide range of educational resources, including STEAM-focused apps, interactive online platforms, and digital learning materials. By utilizing these resources, the Presence of Love (PoL) program helps children explore various aspects of STEAM subjects, fostering their curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving skills.It also offers children opportunities for hands-on learning, collaboration, and self-expression to better equip them with essential skills for their future success.

The success of PRESENT NOW's Presence of Love program in supporting STEAM education for young adults in transitional domestic violence shelters in LA County would result in improved educational opportunities, empowerment, expanded career prospects, & a stronger community. Our goal is to empower individuals to become future leaders, role models, & contributors to society who can bring innovative ideas & solutions to address community challenges & contribute to the overall development & progress of the county. We hope to highlight the unique needs of this vulnerable population & encourage further support from policymakers, educational institutions, & the community at large. Increased advocacy can lead to expanding similar initiatives & allocating resources to ensure equitable access to STEAM education for all. PN was recently honored by Jenesse Ctr, a nationally recognized domestic violence prevention & intervention organization. View our video segment at 1:51:07 on the YT link below

Due to client confidentiality, shelter partners are unable to provide PRESENT NOW with much information regarding their clients. We do have voluntary surveys that are provided to parents and to shelters to provide us with any feedback they may have. To date, the feedback we've received from parents and shelter partners has been positive and they are grateful for the digital learning gifts. PRESENT NOW has delivered 13,741 presents, impacting 8,027 children and families in 66 shelter locations since 2011. We're on track to deliver 3,000 presents in 2023 and we've set a goal of delivering 5,000 presents by 2025.